The Penny Green series Box Set by Emily Organ

Author:Emily Organ [Organ, Emily]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-07-19T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 27

The foyer of St James’s Hall was filled with the bright colours of evening gowns and the glossy shine of silk top hats. Polite chatter and perfume mingled in the air.

“I read your interview with the gang leader,” said Eliza.

She wore a turquoise satin dress, which was unfashionably loose fitting. My sister had stopped wearing her corset the previous year and no longer had any desire to strap herself into a tight bodice.

“Tell me more about him,” she said. “Was he frightening?”

“A little. He was unpleasant.”

“I think you’re extremely brave, Father would be proud of you.”

“Mr Sherman is delighted with the interview and sales of the Morning Express were brisk yesterday.”

I was trying desperately hard not to dwell on what had almost happened to me in King’s Head Yard.

“How marvellous! And it’s so pleasing to see you in such a pretty dress.”

My gown was of russet-coloured satin with fringing around the hips, a small bustle and a buttoned bodice. I wore a fur-lined cape over the top, which was beginning to make me overheat.

“And you’ve lost your sling too, I see. Is your arm feeling fully recovered?”

“Almost. It still feels weak, but I shall practise writing with my right hand again and that will soon strengthen it. How was your meeting with the London Society for Women’s Suffrage?”

“Quite enlightening. There was a wonderful speech given by Miss Annie Hodgkins of the Isle of Man, where women landowners are permitted to vote. England really must do a lot more to catch up. The good news is that support is increasing within Parliament, particularly among the Liberal members. You must come along to the next meeting of the West London Women’s Society. There is so much more you could write about our work in your paper. On second thoughts, I suppose you’re quite busy reporting on these horrific murders these days. Will there be no end to them?”

I sighed. “The funeral of Mr Larcombe was held today, and you should have seen the crowds. I feel so sorry for the people living down in St Giles. It must be terrifying for them to know that the killer is stalking their streets!”

“Look at you, Penelope! Your face is all creased up with worry. You’ll start to look older than your years if you’re not careful.”

“I can’t help but worry.”

“Dreadful things are happening in that slum, and it may sound awful to say it, but thank goodness it has been confined to that area alone. I have great confidence that they’ll catch the man. Your friend Inspector Blakely is working on it, isn’t he?”

My stomach flipped uncomfortably at the mention of his name.

“Are you blushing, Penelope?”

“No, I’m just rather warm in this cape.”

“Come, it’s time to take our seats.” Eliza glanced at the piece of paper in her hand. “It’s a miscellaneous programme tonight. I’m so looking forward to the piano recital by Madame von Belloc.”

We took our seats on the green horse-hair benches in the magnificent concert hall inspired by the Moorish palace of Alhambra.

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